Breastfeeding Bill Signed by Governor

Press Release

Indianapolis, Ind. -- Legislation authored by State Senator Vi Simpson (D-Ellettsville) to ensure breastfeeding mothers’ right to take care of their health needs while at work, was signed into law by Governor Mitch Daniels.

Senate Enrolled Act 219 requires businesses with 25 or more employees to make a reasonable effort to provide a private place for an employee to express breast milk for her child and to provide some form of refrigeration to store the milk.

“This legislation benefits not only mothers and their children,” said Simpson. “It also benefits employers because women with infants are the fastest growing section of the labor force and breastfeeding typically causes lower healthcare costs for the mother and child. I’m pleased to see the governor agreed and signed it into law.”

In Indiana, 63% of women begin breastfeeding at the birth of their baby. That rate decreases to 30 percent after three months, mostly due to mothers returning to the workforce. By providing time and a private space for a mother to express breast milk, the new law will help to reduce absentee rates and improve the ability of an employer to retain employees.

The law will become effective on July 1.

Source: Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus